This is a non-commercial blog - Started as a convenience to organize my race viewing
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Several options to watch
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Includes race stats videos, charts, etc.
Scroll to bottom of blog to see new rankings in the World's Best Racehorse standings
THE BEST HORSE AROUND? IT'S CHROME!
The GI Pacific Classic was not supposed to be easy for California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit). The opposition included last year’s winner in the superstar mare Beholder (Henny Hughes) and a serious race horse in Dortmund (Big Brown). In Hoppertunity (Any Given Saturday) and Imperative (Bernardini) there were still two more millionaires in the race. The wise guys were jumping off the Chrome bandwagon, many of them predicting that this would be the occasion where we would get his comeuppance.Instead, we saw what was arguably the best performance ever by a great race horse. Songbird, Beholder, Tepin (Bernstein), Frosted (Tapit), Flintshire (Dansili {GB}), Exaggerator (Curlin), they are all wonderful horses, some of the best we’ve seen in a long time. But none of them belong in the same sentence as California Chrome. What a horse, indeed. Read more at source
CALIFORNIA CHROME AND VICTOR ESPINOZA PLAYING WITH RIVALS IN PACIFIC CLASSIC
"To put in to perspective what the Mexican jockey achieved by taking California Chrome’s career earnings to a monstrous US$13,252,650 (Dh48,671,682), the Dubai World Cup-winning combination became just the third horse and jockey to win from the inside post position in the 26-year history of the Grade 1 contest.
"California Chrome was the first horse since General Challenge in 1999 to emerge from the inside, but it was how Espinoza flummoxed his fellow riders that will live long in the memory.
"As soon as the gates opened, Espinoza gunned California Chrome to the lead and he then drifted at least three off the rail." Read more at source
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Quotes from what they said about California Chrome's performance in Pacific Classic:Gary Stevens: “I was hoping for the same kick she had last year. She kicked, and he opened up,” Stevens said. “When he opened up, I knew I’d have to save something for the last eighth if I wanted to be second. Victor was playing with us. I don’t think he let him run. That’s kind of scary.”
Gary Stevens: "Beholder’s jockey, Gary Stevens, said he was hoping Dortmund’s trainer, Bob Baffert, would have told jockey Rafael Bejarano to put pressure on California Chrome from the start.
“Victor was loaded,” Stevens said. “He ran a great strategic race. What a horse. California Chrome is as good as I’ve ridden against.”
Bob Baffert: "Baffert said the race was “over the first eighth of a mile,” when jockey Victor Espinoza aggressively sent California Chrome from his rail draw and secured the lead. “Victor put the shock and awe at the beginning. That was it,” Baffert said. Baffert said he’d wait a bit before deciding on a race schedule for Dortmund and Hoppertunity this fall. “My horses fired,” Baffert said. “The other horse was too good. He was the better horse. Sometimes you’ve got to say you got your ass beat.”
Art Sherman: "She [Beholder] was driving to catch him and I knew that if Victor had to get after him, he was just going to rebreak and pull away. What can you say about him? He's just a super horse. That's why he's the best horse in the country. Sherman added, "When you get a couple of horses [like California Chrome and Beholder] in the same race--when do you ever see that. The mare ran a hell of a race".
Richard Mandella: "No way I’m anything but proud of her,” Mandella said Sunday morning. “She beat some pretty nice horses. She ran well enough to win most Classics, but not that one. The winner ran awesome.”
Art Sherman: “He’s so much stronger. He’s in the best part of his career now,” Art Sherman, who trains California Chrome, said at his Del Mar barn on Sunday morning. “It’s kinda awesome to watch. “You’ve got the best horses in the country. These races are tougher,” Sherman said, comparing the current campaign to when California Chrome was 3. “I think he’s the best horse in the world, not that I might be biased.”
Mike Watchmaker: "Simply put, California Chrome was monstrous Saturday. California Chrome had to break from the inside, and the whole world knows that he doesn’t like getting pinned down on the inside. So jockey Victor Espinoza did the very smart thing of sending California Chrome right to the front and getting him away from the rail."
Watchmaker: "Dortmund couldn’t keep up this time, but Beholder tried every step of the way (and did not lose one iota of stature finishing second), and yet California Chrome just kept running away from her."
Watchmaker: "Where California Chrome might pick up some extra points for his Pacific Classic effort – like he needs them – is speed did not look like it was carrying at all on Del Mar’s main track Saturday. In fact, California Chrome was the only front-running winner from the seven dirt races on the day. So he did what he did on a track that appeared tilted against the method he employed. Yeah, most impressive."
Richard Mandella: Beholder’s trainer, Richard Mandella, was gracious in defeat.“I went over and told Art that he did a fabulous job with his horse,” he said. “He’s always been a great horseman. I’m just sorry it was at my expense.”
MORE: UPDATED QUOTES FROM CALIFORNIA CHROME ROMPS IN PACIFIC CLASSIC
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Songbird in a league of her own at Saratoga“She is just amazing, and she keeps on getting better and better,” said [Mike] Smith, who won the Alabama each year from 1993 to 1995 with Sky Beauty, Heavenly Prize and Pretty Discreet. “We were running along a pretty good clip and I was kind of surprised that someone was going with her [Go Maggie Go] which was fine. We can’t always get an easy lead and she was comfortable going along down the backside and well within in herself. I knew she was going to run well.”
"Hollendorfer indicated that a start in the Sept. 24 GI Cotillion S., a race in which Havre de Grace turned the tables on Blind Luck, could be next for Songbird. She could square off there with Kentucky Oaks winner and fellow ‘TDN Rising Star’ Cathryn Sophia (Street Boss)." Read more
QUOTES FROM SONGBIRD'S ALABAMA
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Four Grade 1 races top the racing on Saturday, two at Saratoga and two at Del Mar: the Alabama will see SONGBIRD favored to keep her record perfect, bringing the filly her 10th score; of course the race everyone has been looking forward to see will be the Pacific Classic featuring the West Coast's top three: CALIFORNIA CHROME, DORTMUND, and the mare BEHOLDER. CATCH A GLIMPSE looks to keep her record perfect on turf in the Lake Placid Stakes (G2) on Sunday. Also on Saturday, 11 sophomore fillies will line up in the Del Mar Oaks (G1) and Flamboyant will seek a trifecta of Grade 2 victories in the Del Mar Handicap (G2). The Fourstardave Handicap (G1), rescheduled due to last Saturday's card being called off because of storms at Saratoga, features defending champion Grand Arch.
DRF's Brad Free handicaps the Pacific Classic - video
XBTV Video: Debating the Pacific Classic - Aaron, Millie & Jeff look at the field
Debating the Pacific Classic: Aaron Vercruysse, Jeff Siegel and Millie Ball Debate an Extremely Strong Edition of the Pacific Classic on August 20th, 2016
DRF Matt Bernier show
DRF Matt Bernier, Dan Illman & handicapping videos
Keeler Johnson handicaps the Pacific Classic
Ten Things You Should know about the Pacific Classic
In Jalisco, there's a house that Chrome built - Jay Hovdey
"Don’t bother asking Raul Rodriguez whom he likes. He is too busy fussing with California Chrome’s hourly needs to tout the obvious. For 3 1/2 years, Rodriguez has been the man in the stall, at the shank, in the van, and on the plane."
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Time Ordered Races / Entries - Printable file
Race Index
WATCH RACING AT DEL MAR LIVE AT DRF
FRIDAY
6:18 ET Adirondack G2, Sar $200,000, 2yof, 6 1/2f R10 CARD
SATURDAY
3:15 ET Troy S (L) Sar $100,000 3+ 5.5f T R5 CARD4:47 ET Play the King S G2 WO $200,000 3+ 7f T R8 CARD
5:09 ET Monmouth Oaks G3 Mth $100,000 3yo f 8.5f R9 CARD
5:40 ET Fourstardave S. GI Sar R10 R9 CARD
6:18 ET ALABAMA S G1 Sar $600,000 3yo f 10f R10 CARD
6:23 ET Mister Diz S. Lau $75,000, 3+ 6f R10 CARD
7:43 ET DEL MAR OAKS G1 Dmr $300k 3yo f 9f T R6 CARD
8:43 ET Del Mar H G2 BC Dmr $250,000 3+ 11f T R8 CARD
9:15 ET PACIFIC CLASSIC G1 BC Dmr $1,000,000 3+ 10f R9 CARD
Quality field to contest Del Mar Handicap
Mokat seeks Grade 1 score in Del Mar Oaks
Grade 1 Doubleheader at the Spa
SUNDAY
4:06 ET Sky Classic S G2 WO $200,000 3+ 10f T R7 CARD
4:38 ET Cliff Hanger S G3 Mth $100,000 3+ 9f T R8 CARD
5:02 ET LAKE PLACID G2 Sar $300,000 3yo f 9fT R8 CARD
5:13 ET Breeders' S WO $500,000 3yo R 12f T R9 CARD
6:40 ET Del Mar Mile G2 Dmr $200,000 3+ 8f T R4 CARD
International - France
8:45 a.m. ET Prix Morny Deauville G1, 2yo R4 CARD
Forecast: 1/2 Lady Aurelia, 3/1 Tis Marvellous, 4/1 Alrahma, 7/1 Peace Envoy, 9/1 Al Johrah
Result: Lady Aurelia victorious in Prix Morny
Scat Daddy's Lady Aurelia stays perfect in Prix Morny
TBN Race Replay Prix Morny
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NEWS
'Chrome', Beholder weighing options after PC
http://www.foxsports.com/horse-racing
http://www.nbcsports.com/horse-racing
https://www.americasbestracing.net/
www.DRF.com
www.BloodHorse.com
NTRA
Bowman Provides Update on Winx
Songbird work spot on despite rain
Winx surgery revealed
Andrew Caulfield on Sea Calisi
TDN: Q & A with Ahmed Zayat - 8-18-2016
Below from Brisnet.com
Catch a Glimpse hopes to keep turf record perfect in Lake Placid
Canadian Horse of the Year Catch a Glimpse will try to stay undefeated on turf when lining up as part of a seven-filly field in Sunday's Lake Placid Stakes (G2) at Saratoga.
Scott Shapiro discusses the best ways to wager on Saturday's Pacific Classic (G1) featuring Beholder, California Chrome and Dortmund, while James Scully explains why Beholder is a serious threat in the race.
For those seeking all Pacific Classic, all the time, check out the Pacific Classic News & Notes blog.
Dave Litfin took a look at wagering strategies for the Alabama Stakes (G1).
Dick Powell talked about the powerful thunderstorm that hit Saratoga last Saturday which ended up causing part of the card to be canceled.
Ed DeRosa believes horse racing can pick up a few tricks after attending a wine pairing event that kicked off Arlington Million week in Chicago
Cross-country at Del Mar, five contenders for next Saturday's Pacific Classic (G1) clocked moves over the track including Hard Aces, Win the Space and Dalmore.
more interesting action at Saratoga occurred during morning hours. Undefeated Lady Eli turned in another work in advance of her upcoming return in the Ballston Spa (G2), while a trio of Travers (G1) contenders turned in drills, though Preakness (G1) and Haskell Invitational (G1) winner Exaggerator did not.
Dwyer (G3) winner Fish Trappe Road breezed in advance of the upcoming King's Bishop (G1), while trainer Jimmy Jerkens says Effinex is unlikely to race again until the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) in October.
Songbird, California Chrome and Beholder star coast-to-coast
A star-studded Saturday is on tap at Saratoga and Del Mar, with Songbird going in the Alabama Stakes (G1) in New York and California Chrome taking on defending champion Beholder in the Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar.
Also on Saturday, 11 sophomore fillies will line up in the Del Mar Oaks (G1) and Flamboyant will seek a trifecta of Grade 2 victories in the Del Mar Handicap (G2). The Fourstardave Handicap (G1), rescheduled due to last Saturday's card being called off because of storms at Saratoga, features defending champion Grand Arch.
Teresa Genaro took the time to review Saratoga's meet at the midway point.
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Altitude (Channel Finder)
4:00 - 6:30 p.m. race days.For complete broadcast schedule visit https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/
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Pacific Parade puts California Chrome in Pole Position (133 RPR)
Name (country trained)
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Race
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Rating
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1
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California Chrome (US)
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Pacific Classic
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133D
|
2
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A Shin Hikari (Jpn)
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Prix d'Ispahan
|
131T
|
3
|
Frosted (US)
|
Metropolitan Handicap
|
130D
|
4
|
Postponed (GB)
|
Sheema Classic/Coronation Cup
|
126T
|
Winx (Aus)
|
Doncaster Mile
|
126T
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6
|
Aerovelocity (HK)
|
Centenary Sprint Cup
|
125T
|
Dortmund (US)
|
San Diego Handicap
|
125D
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Fascinating Rock (Ire)
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Tattersalls Gold Cup
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125T
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Limato (GB)
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Darley July Cup
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125T
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10
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Chautauqua (Aus)
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Black Caviar Lightning
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124T
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Galileo Gold (GB)
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St James's Palace Stakes
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124T
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Harzand (Ire)
|
Derby
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124T
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My Dream Boat (GB)
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Prince Of Wales's Stakes
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124T
| |
Nyquist (US)
|
Kentucky Derby
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124D
| |
Terravista (Aus)
|
Black Caviar Lightning
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124T
| |
The Gurkha (Ire)
|
Sussex Stakes
|
124T
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Time Test (GB)
|
Brigadier Gerard
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124T
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DIRT
Name (country trained)
|
Race
|
Rating
| |
1
|
California Chrome (US)
|
Pacific Handicap
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133
|
2
|
Frosted (US)
|
Metropolitan Handicap
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130
|
3
|
Dortmund (US)
|
San Diego Handicap
|
125
|
4
|
Nyquist (US)
|
Kentucky Derby
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124
|
5
|
Exaggerator (US)
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Haskell Invitational
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123
|
6
|
Effinex (US)
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Oaklawn Handicap
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122
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7
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Taris (US)
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Humana Distaff
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121
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Songbird (US)
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Alabama Stakes
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121
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9
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Beholder (US)
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Clement L. Hirsch
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120
|
X Y Jet (US)
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Sunshine Millions Sprint
|
120
| |
A.P. Indian (US)
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Alfred G. Vanderbilt Hcap
|
120
|
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